Theater Casting Call for "The Emperor’s New Clothes" Play
ONLY LOCAL TALENT WILL BE CONSIDERED. Directors are currently in need of performers for "The Emperor’s New Clothes" play. More details are below. About the play: This is a traditional English pantomime (NOT Marcel Marceau’s craft)—an English entertainment based on a children’s story and includes singing, dancing, some slapstick, and topical jokes. This is the age-old story of the Emperor who gets taken in by a fraudster when he is sold a set of clothes that can “only be seen by those who are of high worth and intelligence”. Add a hero who has a change of heart in order to win the girl of his dreams, a villain and his two imbecilic sidekicks, and of course, the pantomime horse with attitude. Cheer the hero, boo the villain, groan at the corny jokes...have fun! Rate: THIS PRODUCTION IS NON-PAYING/NON EQUITY. Additional information: Auditions MUST be booked in advance. You will be asked to please list ANY potential conflicts. CALL-BACK DATE/TIME: Saturday, Sept 21, 2024 2:00 to 5:00 pm. AUDITION, CALL-BACK & REHEARSAL LOCATION: Scarborough. REHEARSALS: Commence: Thursday, Sept 26, 2024, 7:00 to 10:00 pm (first read-through/general orientation). Continue: Tuesdays & Thursdays: 7:00 to 10:30 pm (7:00-7:30 pm for music/dance as called). Sundays: 12:00 to 5:00 pm (12:00-1:00 pm for music/dance as called). NOTE: These times may be flexible depending on the day-job schedule of the director. Additional or longer rehearsals will be held once the production has moved to the theatre. REQUIREMENTS: Please prepare a short comedic monologue (max 90 seconds). There will also be readings from the play. Prepare to be re-directed. You will be asked to sing (acapella) one verse and chorus of a song of your choosing. Please bring a copy of your resume and a photo/head shot to the audition. Callbacks will consist of scenes from the show, performed in groups. Directors ask that you be available for the full time period so we have a chance to experiment with different pairings/groupings of actors. Dance/Movement: There will be a dance/movement call held halfway through each audition session at 8:30-9:15 pm on Sept 15, 17 & 19. You MUST attend the session on the day of your audition, so be prepared to come early or stay later depending on the timing of your audition. Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes (no heels/character shoes)—and have some fun! Your moxie counts as much as your dance and movement abilities. If you're interested, please apply. Please indicate which role(s) interest you.
14 roles
Plays female. The pantomime Dame, traditionally a man in drag (think Dame Edna Everage). Flamboyant, humorous, and doesn’t necessarily speak in a higher timbre. Should have an expressive face, gestures a little over-the-top, and be quick on her feet.
The Dame’s daughter, principal girl, and love interest for Orlando. The typical ingenue – attractive, sweet, innocent yet smart and confident.
Showy and self-centred, he is easily influenced. Should be comfortable in his body image for a variety of unusual costumes, and illusion of nakedness (i.e., skin-toned shorts and masking).
The classic villain, the embodiment of evil—greedy, malicious and self-serving. Their voice alone should elicit distrust. Improv helpful. In character, this actor may be required to deal with an overly-rowdy audience.
One of the Counsellor’s hapless henchmen. Not very bright, but thinks they have an expansive vocabulary…which is exacerbated by gross mispronunciations. Actor should deliver their lack of intelligence innocently and inoffensively.
The other of the Counsellor’s henchmen. Even less bright than their colleague, with a sweet disposition. Actor should deliver their dopiness innocently and inoffensively. Note: Vim and Vigor, regardless of gender, will be cast with “good pairing” in mind. The actors who are cast must play well off each other.
Poised, confident and cocky, she is rebelling against the town’s drycleaners by refusing to wear traditional clothing. The actor should be comfortable in her body image as there is an illusion of nakedness in some scenes (i.e., skin-toned body suit and strategic masking), and a variety of non-fabric costumes that will display her legs and may expose her belly.
The leading man, he is handsome and confident. The actor’s expressive facial gestures, body language and voice should evoke a mixture of trust...and uncertainty—is he bad or good?
Two people in a horse costume. Numpty, Orlando’s faithful steed and partner in crime, has a personality. In place of readings, you will be asked to react in scenes as though Numpty’s expressions can be seen. The movement portion of the audition will help assess physical movement and creativity. Note: Please remember that someone has to be Numpty’s back end.
Proprietor of Grub Grocers. Refuses to grow old gracefully. She sees herself as ageless, wearing outfits that are far too young for her (the actor should be comfortable in her body image). She’s outspoken, and should have an expressive face.
One of the Venetia Grub’s triplets, April is an optimistic and cheery soul. Some group singing and dance/movement required.
The second of Venetia Grub’s triplets, May is boy-crazy and a bit of a flirt. Some group singing and dance/movement required.
The third of Venetia Grub’s triplets, Tuesday is the smart one. Some group singing and dance/movement required. Note: The Grub triplets, regardless of gender, will be cast with the intention that they look as different from each other as possible, but all about the same age.
4 actors/dancers/singers. Townsfolk, singers/dancers for musical numbers, audience supporters; they will also assist with moving sets (and maybe part of the set), and provide strategic masking for the Emperor and Lady Godiva. Since they will be assisting the audience with callouts, knowledge of pantomime is an asset. Group singing/dancing is required, but professional training is not necessary.
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